We are keeping the energy going with our new author spotlight. This week our new author is Barbara Andrews. She talks about her debut novel War Before Wisdom. Barbara takes you on a journey to get to know a little about herself and why she became a writer. Please sit back and enjoy our author spotlight Q&A with new author Barbara Andrews.
Tells us a little about who the author is
My name is Barbara Andrews, I am a woman of God for 23 years. An empty nester, after raising 3 children who are 32, 31, and 28; 2 boys and a girl. I am a full time Substitute teacher and am currently a student again, working towards a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. At the age of 38, I completed my Bachelors degree in Human Service Management, and continued to receive my first Master’s degree in Business Management.
My life has been a long journey of learning myself and learning to love myself. Without God, I would not be the woman I am today; I’d be an enraged woman, filled with heavy aggression. I made a choice to change because of my children. I wanted them to have the experience of both worlds; one where they see my pain and one where they watch me grow and succeed in getting through it. I needed them to know that life does not have to remain dark, angry, and uncertain, and they can rise above anything if they work hard at it. But, first, they must learn of themselves, and love themselves; be honest with who they are, and make a determination to create for themselves a better person and a brighter future.
What was it that made you decide to write War Before Wisdom?
It first started out as a journal about things that happened in my life. As things continued to get dark, I thought to myself, if I write a book, then maybe people would hear my cry and see my struggle; maybe people would understand why I was so aggressive and angry. Further, I believed my testimony of healing from the pain and aggression, as well as my journey of forgiving and building new relationships with those who were a part of my pain, would help many strive for change as I did.
What inspired your book title?
The first title of my book was “Transformation of the relationship between God and Man.” After the title being rejected by my editors, I asked God what would be the appropriate title. I remember sitting on my daughter’s couch brainstorming, praying, and calling out titles to my daughter Princess (oldest child). Her suggestion was that I make it short and simple, immediately the title “War Before Wisdom” entered my thought and I felt it in my spirit. It felt right, and it totally matched the content of the book. Later that day, I told Princess of the title God dropped in my spirit and she, too, was excited about it.
Without giving too much away, tell us what your story is about.
The book is about a girl who experienced diverse trauma situations from a child to an adult. Her tenacious ability to fight, stand up, and face her evil with an open mind, led her to a therapeutic healing through Godly wisdom. Though it were a battle between her inner and outer self, she never gave up. A life as a respectable, transparent, successful, and professional woman of God is what she strived to be, and she did not fail despite her trauma filled life.
Is there a message you like readers to walk away with after reading War Before Wisdom?
My prayer is that the readers will first recognize the importance of being real with who they are and where they are in life. Make a decision of whether they are choosing to remain there or make positive changes. Proactively and with dedication pursue the change, while seeking God for his wisdom and knowledge. Last, know that understanding themselves through surrendering to God will create a permanent change; and the peace that surpasses all understanding will be upon them regardless of any storm they may face in life. If they pretend to be ok, it will only get worse. Accept the War and allow God to navigate your life in his Wisdom.
What makes your book stand out from all the rest in your genre?
The character is showing herself to be brutally honest about the war between her flesh and the spirit. She exposes her darkest secrets truthfully to show the world that the only way to live an honest life is to be transparent. This book will show people that regardless of whether they are living for God or themselves, life will always deal them a bad hand; but, what they do with it makes the difference. God loves an honest soul; his gifts are stronger, and his wisdom, knowledge, & understanding assassinates all evil. (IT’S THERAPY FOR THEIR LIFE)!
What’s next for you as an author and will there be more books?
I have written and completed another book which I intend on publishing next year. I plan on continuing my writing to bring healing and true closeness to God.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
T.D. Jakes, & Joyce Meyer, Tim LaHaye
Learn more about Barbara Andrews by checking out our podcast interview with her in the below link. You can get a signed copy of War Before Wisdom directly from the author.
Where to purchase her book? https://www.iuniverse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/757343-war-before-wisdom#:~:text=In%20her%20most%20difficult%20times%2C%20God%20strengthened%20her,to%20view%20themselves%2C%20through%20the%20eyes%20of%20God.
Listen to her podcast interview at https://www.spreaker.com/user/sistahsplace/ep017-interview-with-barbara-andrews